Saturday, July 9, 2011

31 DAYS TO A WISER YOU: Proverbs Chapter 9

This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details clickhere.

Theme

One of the things I've really enjoyed about this study is that the book's principles aren't strictly the "Thou Shalt Not" type. There are plenty of "Thou Shalts" too. Too often, people, especially the unchurched on the outside looking in at churched people, think that the Gospel is too restricting because all they hear or all they have been taught is "Thou Shalt Not." But that's just not the case. Yes, there are plenty of things we are commanded not to do. Thou shalt not kill, gossip, cheat, steal, etc - But these are really good principles for living a long and peaceful life.

But listen to Solomon talk about what we can do. In summarizing verses 3-5, we are called to partake in wisdom's jubilant celebration. To what end? In verse 6, it says "Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live; learn to use good judgment." You really want to live? Then die.

Key Verses For Me

Proverbs 9:10 - "Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment." Granted I try to choose a not-so-obvious verse, but there's no denying that these two sentences, and how you apply them to your daily life, demonstrates the level of your relationship with Him.

Quote

There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way." - C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

Related Scriptures

Colossians 2:3 - In Him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Titus 2:12 - And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.

3 comments:

Verses 7-9 are the very reason you don't engage negative comments from the pulpit, it only makes them act worse and you come down to their level. Verse 10 is my favorite in the entire book of Proverbs and one of the first that I committed to memory.

verse 4 "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgement. Verse 6 "Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of the understanding." Wisdom continues to speak to the foolish who lack understanding in this chapter. Those whom remain foolish will stay simple minded. The simple may have good intentions at times but they are continually sidetracked by whatever seems to be more fun. They play along with the dead and their wicked ways not knowing they are already in the grave because they lack wisdom and understanding. Eat from wisdom's table and fill yourself with understanding. God will reward you richly.

I've always enjoy verse 11 "For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of your life added to you" I accept that and receive it. As long as I follow the Lords prompting and his word I believe years will be added to my lifeAlso verse 13-18 if look at “she” being SatanSatan did the same thing in the garden with Adam & Eve being at the doorway of the garden calling out to them who paths were straight by God.Now Satan is at each of our doorways trying to call us out